The German edition of the Rolling Stone magazine has given Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds a five star review in the current edition.

Below is a translation of the review with thanks to boardie.

Finally: Noel's best album since Morning Glory

That Beady Eye's album would be less melodic and that we would miss Liam's voice on Noel's solo debut would have seemed to be a 'plain sailing'. Nevertheless, both post-Oasis-era albums became a big surprise. Beady Eye's Different gear Still Speeding, because it is not as dull as expected. And tech-sceptical Noel deserves applause for being able to record an album in the digital age without being observed along the way. Which isn't a bad thing, since we would not have been able to deal with the long time of waiting.

Speaking of Oasis (at least in the last years) there was always too much Believe and Hope without a payoff; because our hearts always longed for more, always remebered the good old days but our minds always knew: these days will never come back.

So, did Noel hold back his best ideas over the years? It deeply seems so: Demos of 'Record Machine' and 'Stop the Clocks' were around the Internet for years, but now Noel Gallagher recorded the ultimate versions of those songs. And here is the most important difference to the later Oasis: Finally, Noel sticks to his promises.

The whole mastery of this man can be seen in the very first song, 'Everbody's On The Run', which is a majestic masterpiece and which is - despite the orchestra and the choir - not the least cheesy. The sound of the record is dominated by traditional 'golden age' British songwriting and psychedelic reminiscences. It is interrupted by occasional echoes of Oasis, but more lightly produced and less suitable for the stadium. If Coldplay hadn't become more and more predictable and boring, they might have been able to release a song as wonderful as 'AKA... What A Life!'. Ray Davies has not written a song as excellent as 'The Death Of You And Me' or 'Dream On' in ages, and by recording 'If I Had A Gun', Noel shows impressively that he is a brilliant romantic.

At some point you will miss Liam's punch, his electrifying voice. But that's the only thing to complain about. Noel's High Flying Birds is nothing less than his most substantial musical statement since Morning Glory.

The Shock Of The Lightning" is a song by Oasis and is the fourth track from the band's seventh studio album Dig Out Your Soul. The song was released as the first single from the album on 29 September 2008. It received its first airplay on 15 August 2008 on multiple UK and Irish radio stations including the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show on Today FM in Ireland, BBC 6 Music by Shaun Keaveny, and by Chris Moyles on BBC Radio 1. Chris was joined by Noel Gallagher on the 15 August 2008.

Noel said of the song: "If 'The Shock of the Lightning' sounds instant and compelling to you, it’s because it was written dead fast. And recorded dead fast. 'The Shock of the Lightning' basically is the demo. And it has retained its energy. And there’s a lot to be said for that, I think. The first time you record something is always the best”. It was described by NME as "a massively improved version of 'It's Gettin' Better (Man!!)'" and featuring "love is a litany/a magical mystery" as the song's chorus.

The single is the first Oasis song to feature a remix on a studio release. The B-side is a remixed version of the album track "Falling Down" by The Chemical Brothers, who Noel has worked with in the past. However, a promo release of Oasis' cover of "Cum On Feel the Noize" contained the "Lynchmob Beats Mix" of "Champagne Supernova" by Brandon Lynch that was also re-released as a stand alone promo for Stop the Clocks. Consequently this is their first official CD single release that does contain a new track as a B-side.

On 30 July 2008, the official Oasis website posted a Dig Out Your Soul trailer which contained a 23 second clip of the intro to "The Shock of the Lightning" as well as a 20 second clip of the drum solo. On 15 August 2008, the song received it first airplay on the The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 with Noel Gallagher present. Noel said of the song on Shaun Keaveny's Radio 6 show, "It's a driving, pumping, pop, rock 'n' roll masterpiece". In NME, the song was named as 'song of the week' and received a score of 9/10, despite being referred to as "only the fifth best song on Dig Out Your Soul".

"The Shock of the Lightning" entered the UK Singles Chart at #3, becoming the band's first lead single since their debut, "Supersonic", to fail to reach #1 in their homeland. However the song reached #12 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart in the USA, making it their most successful single there since "Don't Go Away", which peaked on the chart at #5 in 1998. It also reached #93 on the Billboard Hot 100, their first song to chart on the Hot 100 since "Don't Look Back in Anger" in 1996.

Music video

The music video for the song (directed by Julian House and Julian Gibbs) debuted on the band's official site on 25 August at 17:30 (UK time) and was broadcast on Channel 4 at 23:40. The video depicts Liam singing and the occasional appearance of the rest of the band, intercut with stock footage related to the album's artwork. The opening shot of the video of silhouetted heads is a reference to the cover of the Rolling Stones compilation record Hot Rocks 1964-1971.

Two of Britain's most famous drummers – who also happen to be brothers – have sold one of their classic drum kits to raise money for a cancer centre.

Steve White, who used to play drums for the Style Council, and his brother Alan, who used to bang away for Oasis, sold the drums in order to generate funds for the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology on the Wirral in Merseyside.

It's a cause close to Steve's heart as his pal Phil Morris received treatment there a few years ago.

"While I was being treated the nursing staff really looked after me. They are amazing and there aren't enough words to describe how I feel about them and the wonderful work they do," Mr Morris said.

A fan paid up to Â£1,000 for the white-marine Pearl drums.

Steve said: "I'm only too happy to put some money towards the excellent work done at Clatterbridge and also raise awareness about testicular cancer."

The former All Saints singer doesn't recognize the ex-Oasis forntman's persona as a wild hellraiser because he's so "normal" when he's at home with her and their 10-year-old son Gene.

Nicole - who has been in a relationship with Liam since 2000 and married him in February 2008 - said: "He's so normal. And he's so Gene's dad. It's funny to think of him as that (a rock star). He's an amazing guy."

The 36-year-old blonde is currently living in Canada with Gene as she presents new TV talent show 'Cover Me Canada' and she was thrilled when Liam took time out from his new band Beady Eye's tour to watch her on the first night.

Noel Gallagher is the cover star on this week's NME, in which he reveals that he's finally embraced digital media after recently purchasing a computer. In the past other than a blog on Oasis' official website, the star has publicly shunned digital technology. "I have to say - and this needs to be said - I have spent more money on music since I've got a computer," he explains.

"That's how I listen to music now. People always ask me: 'What you listening to?' And it's like: 'Fucking EVERYTHING!' I always have the iPad on shuffle and you can be listening to Erik B & Rakim, then The Band, something off 'Hacienda Classics', Bert Jansch and U2...and that's just in the shower."

The frontman also talks about how his forthcoming solo album is "the best collection of songs I've written for a long fucking time".

To read more on Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, get the new issue of NME, which is on UK newsstands now (September 27) or available digitally.

28 September 2011

Noel Gallagher has said that Russell Brand asked for a cameo in the video for 'AKA... What A Life!' the day before filming the music video ended.

Noel told the current issue of the NME that his original thoughts were "fu*k that" and added "we rewrote a load of stuff and he's in it now as some sort of crazed... well, you'll see it. He wears a top hat it's fu*king ridiculous".

Noel Gallagher is appalled at recent events in the U.K., insisting economic crisis, the death of Amy Winehouse, and the phone hacking scandal have turned his native country into a "disaster movie".

The former Oasis rocker spent much of the summer (11) in the U.S. and he looked on aghast as a series of scandals and tragedies blighted Britain, leading to calls for an overhaul of the country's social fabric.

Gallagher agrees desperate measures are needed to tackle the issue - but he is adamant the problem runs so deep, only a fictional superhero such as Batman could fix it.He tells Q magazine, "(When I'm away) I miss the family. And, well, I feel like I'm watching a disaster movie when the news from home comes on the TV. Amy Winehouse dies - what a f**king waste of life and talent, eh?

"The Euro seems to be dying. Every person you can think of's phone has been hacked into. The police are in on it. I mean, what the f**k is going on, man? We need Batman to come down and sort it all out, we really do."

The rocker is also surprised he didn't fall victim to a phone hacker working for the now defunct News of the World tabloid, because even British soccer pundit Andy Gray was targeted.

Gallagher adds, "The phone hacking scandal p**sed me off actually. There was a part of me thinking, 'Andy f**king Gray is having his phone hacked and not me?' That's the final insult. I must have infinitely more interesting phone messages than Andy Gray."

Noel Gallagher's record label Sour Mash are pleased to announce that they will be hosting 2 exclusive fan only playbacks of the forthcoming debut album from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. The playbacks will be held in London and Manchester on the afternoon of 8th October and all those lucky enough to attend will also leave the session with some exclusive signed artwork and get the chance to review the album for www.NoelGallagher.com.

To enter the competition all you need to do is leave your email address and postcode in the form below. Or you can enter via the brand new app from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - download it here and then ensure you register within the app with both your email address and postcode to be in with a chance of winning. Over 18s only.

Winners will be drawn at random and those successful will be notified by email on 4th October. Open to UK residents only. Unfortunately Sour Mash cannot contribute to travel costs.

The new issue of Q (out on 27 September 2011) features 25 different covers with the artists who are shaping music right now. Each issue features a new interview with all the cover stars, but which one will you pick? The full list of cover stars are: Arcade Fire, Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, Cee Lo Green, Coldplay, Damon Albarn, Dizzee Rascal, Elbow, Florence And The Machine, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Jessie J, Kasabian, Laura Marling, Liam Gallagher, Mumford & Sons, Muse, Noel Gallagher, Paolo Nutini, Paul Weller, Plan B, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snow Patrol, The Killers and Tinie Tempah.

Noel Gallagher has been speaking to Mojo about his album , 'Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds' that's released on October 17 via Noel's own label Sour Mash.

When questioned about how the album isn't what people were expecting with shades of Wings, Neil Diamond, ragtime jazz and Disco.

Noel said "Well that's the great thing about being on your own. That bit in 'The Death Of You And Me' when the New Orleans thing happens... that section had been left open for a while. I came up with the melody for it, then it was, 'What about a brass section?' The way it is now I don't have to sit at the end of Liam's bed and go, (gentle voice) 'I'm gonna have to say something that may upset you - we've been talking about trumpets.' and have him start slinging shit around the room."

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Bird's single AKA... What A Life Is out now! visit www.noelgallagher.com for details.

Noel Gallagher thinks his solo sets will be short with only High Flying Birds songs, so he has now upped the number of Oasis songs he will play to ''seven or eight''.

Noel Gallagher will play "seven or eight" Oasis songs at his solo gigs.

The 'AKA... What A Life!' singer is currently rehearsing for his debut concerts with his High Flying Birds project and as well as performing his forthcoming album almost in its entirety, he realised the shows would be short so will include more of his formed group than originally intended.

He said: "It was f***ing very short. [The number of Oasis songs] has gone from four, to six. In fact, it could actually be seven or eight now."

Noel will also play B-side 'The Good Rebel' and a new track at the shows.

Two tracks on Noel's album, 'Everybody's On The Run' and 'If I Had A Gun', were written during Oasis' South American tour three years ago - after he had stopped travelling with the rest of band as his relationships with his brother, frontman Liam, had got "so f***ing bad" - and the 44-year-old rocker says he only started penning more songs out of boredom.

He told NME magazine: "That's when it was at its f***ing lowest ebb. That was it. It was my decision. Mine and Liam's relationship, it got so f***ing bad, it was like, 'I'm gonna do everybody a favour here, I'm going to travel alone because it's a bad atmosphere.'

"I'm alright being on my own. So at that point I was writing, not for any specific reason, just because I had a lot of time to kill."

Noel Gallagher has been talking about Nirvana's 'Nevermind' album being twenty years old this month.

Nevermind became an instant music classic and launched Nirvana into rock superstardom.

Released in September 1991, Nevermind has since sold more than 30 million copies and has spent 253 weeks on the Billboard 100 chart.

Noel told the new edition of the NME "I remember when Nirvana came to Manchester - one of my regrets is that I never saw the gig. That album made me realise that you can do pop music with loud guitars. Sonically , 'Nevermind' and 'Definitely Maybe' are not that far apart. Really we were both writing melodic, Beatles-esque pop songs with loud guitars".

Sometimes it helps to bide one's time, as Noel Gallagher has surely done in the two years since he walked away from Oasis, effectively shuttering the biggest British band of the last 30 years. While brother Liam rushed out and grabbed the first ray of new rising sun with Beady Eye, offering up a fair-to-decent version of Oasis-sounding songs, Noel took the long-view approach, realizing that a great album has to be nurtured, coddled and brought up right.

Of course, he has some experience in this area; indeed, a couple of the numbers on his solo debut, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - the album's name is the same as his band - have been percolating for a decade now, with demos and soundcheck recordings leaking famously on the internet.

Some might say (oh!) that Noel has always held all of the cards: He was the principle songwriter for Oasis, penning the lion's share of the catalogue and all of the hits. Not only that, but his singing voice - a rich, throaty delivery, alternating between a tenor and a baritone - was the more expressive, and widely underused, of the two Gallagher brothers.

All right, so let's cut to the chase: The 10 songs on Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds rank as the best set of material the singer-songwriter and guitarist has assembled since (What's The Story) Morning Glory? As it is with the best of composers, the emotional buttons - desperate, angry, joyful, melancholy and everything else - are right there in plain sight, but the light and dark between the hues are swimming about, too, and they're up for grabs.

Working in both London and Los Angeles between 2010 and 2011, with frequent collaborator Dave Sardy serving as co-producer, Gallagher utilized the talents of now bandmates Jeremy Stacey (drums), Lenny Castro (percussion) and Mike Rowe (keyboards). It's a close-knit bunch, and the manner in which they jump through so many moments of epiphany, sometimes in the space of one song, is astonishing.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds - an intensifier of feelings, and a strong contender for Record Of The Year - will be released on 17 October (8 November in the US). On the following pages, we'll take a look at this wondrous album track-by-track.

Everybody's On The Run

After a few seconds of studio prep sounds (talking, clanging, a cough), a snare kicks off this rousing opener that immediately recalls the epic grandeur of George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.

Soaring background vocals and heart-tugging strings blend for a massive dramatic sweep. Throughout, Noel sings like a desperate, impassioned soul - "Hang in there love/ you gotta hold on/ 'cause everybody's on the run," he pleads in the chorus - weaving melodies that swirl around one's head but stick like glue.

The arrangement is grand but never artificial. The bridge has a classic rock feel and a symphonic intensity. Acoustic guitars overwhelm and lead into the last resounding chorus, during which Noel extends and hammers home his lyrical meaning. A smashing lead-off track, but can the rest hold up?

Dream On

You wouldn't think that Noel Gallagher would give a damn about any trumpet-playin' band, but he uses horns on this track, and elsewhere on the album, to stunning effect. And it most certainly is rock 'n' roll!

A jaunty, pounding beat underpins briskly strummed, robust-sounding acoustics (and a bit of Link Wray riffiness), making Dream On feel like something of a more aggressive She's Electric. But Noel, using a more mature vocal, brings a new kind of charm - and vulnerability, an unmasked need - to the proceedings.

The choruses are doozies, complete with "la-la-la" sing-alongs. Brass creeps in, dominating the end section, bringing a taste of New Orleans as the tune bops along to a flourish. Expect many iPhones waving in the air as Noel plays this baby live.

If I Had A Gun

Talk about anticipation. Ever since leaked soundcheck demos of this song appeared on the internet, much interest has attended its inevitable studio rendering. We can happily report that the results meet every expectation and then some.With piano and acoustic guitar guiding him, Noel - moody, delicate and restless - sings, "If I had a gun, I'd shoot a hole into the sun/ and love would burn this city down for you" in this quasi-Wonderwall-like gem.

Haunting background vocals create a stirring leitmotif. If I Had A Gun pops with electric guitars, heading right into the first chorus in which Noel intones, "'Scuse me if I spoke too soon/ my eyes have always followed you around the room/ 'cause you're the only God I will ever need/ I'm holding on and waiting or you to find me."That's major-league writing, in what will surely become a modern-rock standard. Noel keeps his delivery in check, never surrendering to showboating, and even as the instruments pile up and peak around him, he stays the course. A hands-down winner, this one.

The Death Of You And Me

The first single from High Flying Birds is a whisper, starting with a capoed, 12-string acoustic intro figure that ushers in Noel's sweet falsetto. The overall mood here is laid-back, '70s-era Kinks, but it's honest and sailing, with nothing getting in the way, as a melancholy Noel sings, not ironically, "High time, summer in the city/ kids are looking pretty/ but isn't it a pity in the sunshine."

The beauty in these lines is how Noel personifies the words, making them his own, and in that way, because we know they're special to him, we can relate. Even the way he draws out the word "sunshine," making it a sneery "sunshiiiiine," is a communal expression - whether it's Johnny Rotten or Liam, we get it. He does it with wink, and we're there.

While the track bears an unmistakable resemblance to The Importance Of Being Idle, it gradually takes on its own form, looming larger, with another taste of New Orleans-style brass skillfully moving in.

(I Wanna Live In A Dream) In My Record Machine

At first, we hear the sounds of schoolchildren on the playground - innocent, unspolied, complete in their world - and then, amidst an acoustic guitar and and a Phil Spectorish jingle stick, Noel begins singing what very might be his own teenage symphony to God.

Bass and electrics climb aboard, with Noel's double-tracked voice becoming mega. Strings emerge, big and bold, in a chorus that's an absolute grabber - we're talking fists in the air. Whether it's an homage to the Wall Of Sound or not, it caresses the senses in much the same way.

The sonics increase, and before long Noel is at the top of his lungs, open-hearted and open-throated - it's a delirious feeling. After a brief, gentle break, the song breaks away into a grand gallop. Here's one pony that can't be tamed.

In the chorus, he twists and raises his voice, elegantly and poetically, making the last word of the title sound like "liiiiiiife." He plays with nuance, finding a center and skirting with the outer edges.

A piercing guitar line links the verse and chorus sections, and right when you least expect it, an honest-to-goodness six-string solo breaks out - and it's a spine-tingler, too. An elongated verse ends the song on an ominous note, but it's one that leaves the listener breathlessly waiting for more.

Soldier Boys And Jesus Freaks

It's a pop-sounding cut, and appropriately so, this ode to the Turtles, all stark guitars and a moving bassline during which Noel sings what are perhaps his most pointed political lyrics.

The chorus is a cymbal-heavy crasher, but horns meet Noel and carry the bridge in true '60s fashion. Here's it's a mishmash, a bright mix of Sgt. Pepper meets The Association meets The 5th Dimension with even The Doors a la The Soft Parade thrown in for good measure.

The ride-out is a smasher, ending with a jingle-jangle of tambourine. It puts a smile on one's face, and it's a crafty counterpoint to the weight of the song's message.

AKA... Broken Arrow

Perhaps the most straightforward song on the album. A sparkling mix of drums and acoustics lead into Noel singing what feels like a love song: "Fallen angel/ a broken arrow/ she comforts me and eases my troubled mind/ she shines a light out into the shadows/ all the world that we will leave behind."

Like all of Noel's best compositions, the hooks and resolves flow naturally, revealing little to no artiface. The dynamics, including his voice, rise and fall effortlessly, as if there's no other possible way to go. Scores of songwriters strive for unbridled spirit, but only a few, and Gallagher is one of them, can tap into, and master, such feelings.

(Stranded) On The Wrong Beach

A thumping garage rocker, glowing with a bass-note pattern over which Noel sings in his most wistful voice. At first, it feels like a bit of a trifle, especially in light of what's come before, but it's affecting nonetheless, working its way under your skin and into your being.

Some artists can do that; they touch us and they matter; they loom large and take on a space of importance that even friends and relatives can't occupy. The sound of their voice triggers emotions and stirs our blood. It's a gift, and it's one Noel possesses, and like the brightest of Hollywood stars, he can rule our passions with just the subtlest of gestures.

Handclaps accentuate the drums, and the tone grows aching as Noel sings, "Drowning, I'm sinking in the quicksand/ stranded on the wrong beach/ come and rescue me."

Stop The Clocks

Written sometime in 2001, Noel said of the track a year later that it was about "a dream I had one night. It's wondering about if you were dead, how would you know you were actually dead, how would you know you were actually alive."

Originally intended to be included on 2004's Don't Believe The Truth, Stop The Clocks has achieved something of a mythic status amongst Oasis fans, with studio and live versions leaking onto the internet over the years.

How can you blame anyone for not holding back this five-minute piece of genius? It's difficult. On the other hand, did they hear the memorable organ riff than informs the body of the finished song? Did they know of the explosive power when the number kicks in, not once but twice? The final version that Noel Gallagher has realized makes good on all past promises.

"Stop the clocks and turn the world around/ let your love lay me down," Noel sings in the opening verse, displaying his heart and making his feelings come through his pores. He has a way of sharing with the the listener why he's sweating - it's as if he's trained to do so, but then that would be too easy an explanation.

After a furious build-up, the song rides out on a bonkers lead guitar break. It's a star-turn, sure, and Gallagher might very well end his set milking this rocket for all it's worth, but it works dramatically, and that's all that matters. After the numerous builds and releases that this album provides, going out on anything less than the highest of highs would be a letdown. On High Flying Birds, Noel Gallagher might have reached his Everest.

27 September 2011

Below is an interview with Liam Gallagher from Argentinian radio station Metro 951, Liam said during the interview that Beady Eye are currently in London rehearsing for the tour and that they have added new songs to the band's live set.

Noel Gallagher has told NME his forthcoming solo album is "the best collection of songs I've written for a long fucking time".

The former Oasis man, whose recent single 'The Death Of You And Me' charted at Number 15, said he is happy with how his new material has been received so far. "I know that this is the most concise, literal and lyrical album I've written for a long time and that says more about me as a songwriter because it's all me, apart from the drums and some of the keyboards," he said

This week's NME cover star also recently told us in a video you can watch here that he thinks rock'n'roll is "dead" at the moment. He added: "[The state of rock'n'roll is] really fucking bad now but when it's bad there's someone somewhere like Ian Brown, Liam or Bobby Gillespie or a songwriter like me who can retell the story.

"That's all rock 'n' roll is; retelling this great fucking story. Music snobs will think when this band come along that its all been done before, but it's only a story that needs retelling for a new generation. Rock'n'roll is gone at the minute but it'll never die because Neil Young said so."

To read more on Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, his current obsession with the Apple iPad and the state of music get the new issue of NME, which is on UK newsstands now (September 27) or available digitally.

Never one to shy away from the spotlight, former Oasis lead guitarist Noel Gallagher may be one of the most divisive figures in modern rock music. He and brother Liam's outspoken opinions and consistent feuds -- Oasis break up! They're back together! They're broken up! -- have made as many headlines over the years as their record-breaking albums.

The turmoil between the brothers culminated in a recent lawsuit, with Liam suing his brother for claiming that he was "too hungover" to play at a 2009 Oasis show. Turned out, Liam had merely come down with a bout of laryngitis.

In August, Noel publicly apologized to his brother and the lawsuit was dropped.

While Liam has continued on with the remaining members of Oasis and his band, Beady Eye, Noel is now set to venture out on his own, recording a new LP, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, set for release on October 17. The first single off that album, "The Death of You and Me," debuted in July.

Below, the Brit-pop icon sits down for the new HuffPost Culture show, "Scale of 1 to 10," where he discusses, among other things: his struggles as a front man, the likelihood of an Oasis reunion, and the comparisons to Paul McCartney. He's also, it turns out, kind of a nice guy. But don't tell anyone that.

Former Oasis drummer Zak Starkey is set to hit the road for a whistlestop UK tour with his new band Pengu!ns next month.

The band will perform at Edinburgh Sound Caves on October 7 before heading on to Manchester Sound Control on October 22 and London's Vibe Bar on the 28 as London's celebrated This Feeling club night hits the road.

Joining the band on all three dates are Dexters, while The Stagger Rats and Modern Faces will perform in Edinburgh and London. The Twang will be on the decks, joining Pengu!ns for their Manchester date along with The Rain Band and The Janice Graham Band.

All three nights will also feature a DJ set from NME's Hamish MacBain.

Noel Gallagher has been speaking to Mojo about his project with Amorphous Androgynous, which is due for release next summer.

The album, which doesn't have a title as yet, is a collaboration with psychedelic collective Amorphous Androgynous and Noel has said that it takes in genres that he would have stayed well clear of in his days with his former band.

Speaking to the current issue of Mojo he said: "There are three songs from High Flying Birds on that, but they are barely recognisable. Then there's ten original compositions, but it's all one long piece of music, inspired with spoken word. It's fu*king good man. I'd go in Paul Weller's studio and there'd be twenty people there - like fu*kin hippies. I'd be 'alright mate?' (Leslie Phillips voice) Air-hair-lair! I'm Gethsemane, I'm going to be playing marimba...!' You look like a wizard what the f*ck?! Then I'd go back to the sanity of my own record - three minutes, what a relief."

He continued: "That's all rock 'n' roll is; it's retelling the story of rock 'n' roll, which is a great f**king story. Music snobs and people who vote for the Mercury Music Prize, when this band come along, will think it has all been done before.

"But it's only a story that needs f**king retelling for a new generation. Rock 'n' roll is gone at the minute, but it will never die - because Neil Young said so."